Eleven months ago we sat down on a blustery fall afternoon to start planning the contents of our 30th anniversary edition. We quickly realized that one of the best ways to show the heart of Canada -- as it has long been mirrored in Canadian Living Magazine -- was to shine a spotlight on Canadians who make this country a better place to live. Thus, the Me to We Awards were born (with the sponsorship of Western Union and with the support of Free the Children ambassadors Craig and Marc Kielburger, and Canada AM). We sorted through hundreds of nominations from across the country to choose these great Canadians. We now present them to you. Let's celebrate them!
In the community
BRENDA WHITTLE, HAIRDRESSER WITH HEART, TRURO, N.S.
Brenda is one of those hairdressers that women confide in. And when clients confided that they had cancer, Brenda would offer to help. She showed them how to fit wigs, passed along tips on skin care after chemo, and laughed and cried with them. "I guess I just knew the right things to say," she says.
When someone called to say that he and his wife had been referred to her for help, Brenda realized she needed credentials to bolster her experience. "I hadn't even graduated from high school," she says. So 12 years ago she returned to school to earn her community service worker diploma. Now Brenda works part time to pay the bills and devotes the rest of her time to Caring for Cancer Patients, the charity she created to train hairdressers and estheticians to help people who have cancer. Brenda also hosts a retreat at a local Tim Hortons camp, and her charity provides counselling, financial help and transportation not covered by other agencies. "Being able to bring a smile to someone's face when she is in a time of trouble is my satisfaction," she says.
Click here to see Brenda in Canadian Living magazine.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Rodrigo Moreno, Toronto.
For creating a photography club that empowers kids in Lawrence Heights while providing opportunities for communication with local police volunteers.
Steve Ford and Audri Wilkinson, Oakville, Man.
For jumping at the chance to keep youth in the community by improving the local ice arena with sheer determination.
Grant MacDonald, Mineville, N.S.
For motivating citizens to transform their fractured community into a vibrant and active place devoted to preserving parkland.
Arnel Scott, Markham, Ont.
For establishing an affordable transportation solution for athletes facing financial barriers.
Colleen Whidden, 100 Mile House, B.C.
For producing community musicals and encouraging the inclusion of diverse talents in working toward a common goal.
Mallory Statham, Vancouver. For recognizing that mentors create opportunities for at-risk youth and for establishing a camp where youth can identify those opportunities.
Linda Swim, Boutilier's Point, N.S. For dedicating herself to ensuring that individuals with developmental difficulties are supported in spirit and deed by their community.
Helen Marie Twiddy, North Bay, Ont. For identifying a need for a youth drop-in centre in her former community of Huntsville, Ont., and then opening the doors of The Greenhouse.
Brenda Whittle, Turro, N.S.
